Local animals up for adoption

UPPER POTTSGROVE >> Residents convicted of allowing their animals to create a dangerous situation or a nuisance will be subject to penalties of up to $1,000 and/or 30 days in jail under the ordinance unanimously adopted by the township commissioners April 17.

The animal control ordinance, which has been under discussion since last October, is primarily focused on nuisances and regulates animal behavior only in as much as it affects others.

Disturbance of the peace by “habitual barking, howling, yapping, screeching, yelping or baying” or is otherwise disturbing enough that a neighbor “has no other reasonable option but to close all windows in his or her residence in an effort to maintain some level of peace” is what the law aims to prohibit.

Violations of the noise provisions of the law occur when noise continues constantly for 15 minutes or more, and those doing the complaining are required to makes notes about the time, location and duration of the disturbance.

The law defines “dangerous animal” as one which attacks an inflicts severe injury or kills a person or domestic animal,” except where the animal is defending itself against torture, torment or cruel punishment, or has been provoked, or is protecting the property of the animal’s owner or its own offspring.

Animals are prohibited from “running at large” in the township, defined as not being “under the immediate control of the owner,” under the new law.

Also prohibited are offensive odors and the unauthorized defecation by animals on township or private property without permission or immediately removal of the feces.

The only public objection to the law came from resident Erin Dickey, who has herself been cited by the township for problems stemming from her dogs.

Dickey said she has raised chickens for five years, including roosters, which are free-ranging “and yes they cock-a-doodle-doo in the morning.”

“I think this law is too harsh,” Dickey said.

Commissioners’ Chairman Elwood Taylor pointed out that Dickey had indicated she has not read the law “so I’m not quite clear on which parts you think are too harsh.”

Commissioner France Krazalkovich told Dickey that he initially had concerns about the ordinance, but thanks to changes made over recent months, believes it strikes a balance between residents rights to own animals, and the rights of non-animal owners not to be disturbed by them.

The adoption of the animal ordinance follows on the heels of last month’s adoption of a comprehensive noise ordinance, which regulates excessive noise after 10 p.m.